Projecting the Patriots Wide Receiver Depth Chart Following JuJu Smith-Schuster Release
New England Patriots fans were given a terrific offseason gift when the franchise released wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Friday. The veteran playmaker — who signed a three-year, $25.5 million contract last offseason — did anything but make plays in his lone season with the Patriots, tallying just 260 receiving yards and a touchdown on 29 catches in 11 games.
Source: The #Patriots are releasing WR JuJu Smith-Schuster. While a surprise, this move does give Smith-Schuster the chance to sign somewhere before the season. pic.twitter.com/r4ydvyXcYC
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 9, 2024
Considering he's no longer the Smith-Schuster of old, the 27-year-old's release won't hurt New England's passing game. The Patriots have plenty of young and hungry pass-catchers who now have the perfect opportunity to move up in the pecking order as training camp continues.
In the meantime, let's project how the Patriots' WR depth chart is stacking up following Smith-Schuster's release.
1. Kendrick Bourne
Kendrick Bourne is entering his fourth season with the Patriots. The 29-year-old receiver was on pace for a career year in 2023 as he turned 37 receptions into 406 yards and four touchdowns in his first eight games. Unfortunately, he didn't see any action beyond that point.
Bourne tore his ACL in a Week 8 clash with the rival Miami Dolphins, ending his campaign at the halfway mark. Had he remained healthy, the former Eastern Washington product was on pace for career highs in receiving yards (864) and touchdowns (9).
Even though Bourne missed the majority of the 2023 season, he's still the Patriots' best and most experienced wide receiver. As long as he can get off the PUP list before the new schedule begins, we could see another career year from the Portland, OR native.
2. Demario Douglas
Even though last season was forgettable, Demario Douglas was a bright spot in an uneventful year.
Selected 210th overall at the 2023 draft, Douglas exceeded all expectations during his first NFL campaign. The ex-Liberty Flame was one of the team's most reliable pass-catchers, leading all New England wideouts in receptions (49) and receiving yards (561). Although he failed to find the end zone, his rookie performance was still encouraging.
Now with a new jersey number, Douglas is ready to take his game to the next level. Considering how the Jacoby Brissett/Drake Maye tandem is much better than last year's Bailey Zappe/Mac Jones combo, the second-yard playmaker might make some waves.